West Belfast MLA says each empty home in areas of high housing need is ‘a slap in the face’

Over 3,000 homes are empty across the city

A West Belfast MLA said each empty home in an area of high housing need is “a slap in the face.” People Before Profit’s Gerry Carroll said it is a “disgrace” that at least 3,367 homes are currently vacant across Belfast, while over 10,000 families are officially homeless.

This week, his written question to the finance minister asking for detail on the number of empty homes across the city broken down by electoral ward revealed the details. The figures show that in the Belfast Central ward there are currently 250 empty homes, and there are 233 vacant properties in the Windsor ward.

In the Beechmount ward of West Belfast, there are currently 165 empty homes, while there are 148 empty properties in the Duncairn area of North Belfast.

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Speaking to Belfast Live, Gerry Carroll said empty homes need to be used to tackle the housing crisis. He said: “It’s nothing short of a disgrace that at least 3,367 homes are lying empty in Belfast, while over 10,400 families in the area are officially homeless.

“Making use of empty homes would be a quick and efficient way to expand housing supply, and tackle the housing crisis head on. These homes are already connected to wastewater infrastructure, and many will require only a small amount of remedial work to bring back into use. Because there is no incentive to report a property as vacant, the actual number of empty homes in Belfast is likely to be even higher.

“Every empty home in an area of high housing need like West Belfast is a slap in the face to the thousands of people who are in desperate need of housing. Hoarding property during a housing crisis is unconscionable. The Executive must reform the rates system to fine those who allow homes to sit empty with no legitimate reason.”

Issuing the details, the finance minister said Land & Property Services does not maintain a register of “empty homes.” Information provided details the number of domestic properties in the Belfast City Council area recorded as vacant in the rating system as of September 30, 2025.

The minister added: “As rates on domestic properties are charged at 100% irrespective of whether the property is occupied or not, ratepayers may not inform Land & Property services of a property becoming vacant, therefore these figures may not reflect accurately an ‘empty homes’ position.”

Details of vacant homes in Belfast

Homes recorded as Vacant in Belfast City Council by Ward